Editing Xavier Rudd

{{Short description|Australian singer, songwriter, and musician}}
{{Distinguish|text = Xavior Roide, former keyboardist with [[Placebo (band)|Placebo]] and singer with [[Romo]] band [[DexDexTer]]}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name                = Xavier Rudd
| image               = Xavier Rudd - 03-07-2008 3.jpg
| caption             = Rudd performing in 2008
| alt                 = Xavier Rudd wearing a sleeveless khaki shirt with an Australian Aboriginal flag and khaki pants, standing onstage, singing into a microphone and playing an acoustic guitar decorated with a dot-painted Australian map and other designs
| birth_place         = 
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1978|05|29|df=y}}
| origin              = [[Torquay, Victoria]], Australia
| instrument          = {{hlist|Vocals|guitar|harmonica|[[didgeridoo]]|[[lap steel guitar]]|percussion}}
| genre               = {{hlist|[[Folk music|Folk]]|[[blues]]|[[indie folk]]|[[folk rock]]|[[reggae]]}}
| occupation          = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|musician|multi-instrumentalist}}
| years_active        = 2000–present
| label               =
* [[Universal Music Australia]]
* SaltX
* [[Universal Records|Universal]]
* [[Fontana Records]] (US/Canada)
| website             = {{Official URL}}
}}

'''Xavier Rudd''' (born 29 May 1978) is an Australian singer, songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist. Several of Rudd's songs incorporate [[socially conscious]] themes, such as [[spirituality]], humanity, [[environmentalism]] and the [[Indigenous rights|rights]] of [[Indigenous Australians]].

==Early life==
Xavier Rudd grew up in [[Jan Juc]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.aspentimes.com/news/for-xavier-rudd-music-is-all-about-making-connections-2/|access-date=14 February 2020|title=For Xavier Rudd, music is all about making connections|first=Stewart|last=Oksenhorn|date=15 January 2008|newspaper=The Aspen Times}}</ref> near [[Torquay, Victoria]].<ref name=Cafebabel/> He attended [[St Joseph's College, Geelong]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/lifestyle/xavier-rudd-the-united-nations-unite-a-musical-movement-with-debut-album-nanna/story-fnjuhqx6-1227264823380|title=Xavier Rudd & The United Nations unite a musical movement with debut album Nanna|date=16 March 2015|publisher=News Corp|newspaper=Geelong Advertiser}}</ref> His maternal grandfather was Dutch, born in [[Tilburg]], a town in the Netherlands, before migrating to Australia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/xavier-set-to-give-moncrieff-good-vibe/2696752/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828092652/http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/xavier-set-to-give-moncrieff-good-vibe/2696752/|archive-date=28 August 2015|title=Xavier set to give Moncrieff good vibes|newspaper=Bundaberg News Mail|date=8 July 2015|publisher=APN Australian Regional Media}}</ref> One of his grandmothers was from an Irish potato-growing family and grew up in [[Colac, Victoria]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.qt.com.au/news/xavier-rudd-nanna-tribute-grandmothers/2588945/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802001242/http://www.qt.com.au/news/xavier-rudd-nanna-tribute-grandmothers/2588945/|archive-date=2 August 2015|title=Xavier Rudd's new album Nanna a tribute to grandmothers|date=28 March 2015}}</ref> Rudd claims to be of Aboriginal, Irish and Scottish heritage,<ref name=Cafebabel>{{cite news|url=http://www.cafebabel.co.uk/culture/article/xavier-rudd-keeping-the-aboriginal-spirit-alive.html|title=Xavier Rudd: keeping the aboriginal spirit alive|date=29 July 2015|first=Matthieu|last=Amaré|work=[[cafébabel]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811101853/http://www.cafebabel.co.uk/culture/article/xavier-rudd-keeping-the-aboriginal-spirit-alive.html|archive-date=11 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube| ickFySlx6Yk | "Xavier Rudd interview (part 1)" }}</ref> furthermore mentioning being of [[Wurundjeri]] ancestry,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/14586/Xavier-Rudd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830023042/http://www.fasterlouder.com.au/features/14586/Xavier-Rudd|archive-date=30 August 2015|title=Xavier Rudd|date=25 August 2008|publisher=Faster Louder}}</ref> and that one of his great grandmothers was an Aboriginal Australian, and her child (Rudd's paternal grandmother) was taken away from her.<ref name=Seroukas>{{cite news|url=http://blitz.arc.unsw.edu.au/2015/interview-xavier-rudd/|title=The Interview: Xavier Rudd|first=John|last=Seroukas|date= August 2015|publisher=University of New South Wales|archive-date=30 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830024111/http://blitz.arc.unsw.edu.au/2015/interview-xavier-rudd/}}</ref>

Rudd showed a keen interest in music growing up in a family of seven children.<ref name=Lobley>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/22/1082530289806.html?from=storyrhs|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103094802/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/04/22/1082530289806.html?from=storyrhs|archive-date=3 November 2007|title=Ridgy Didge|first=Katrina|last=Lobley|date=23 April 2004|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.last.fm/music/Xavier+Rudd/+wiki |title=Xavier Rudd's Biography – Free listening, videos, concerts, stats and pictures at |website=Last.fm |date=26 November 2013 |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref> While in primary school, Rudd used his mother's vacuum cleaner as a makeshift didgeridoo and began playing his brother's guitar.<ref name=Murfett>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/feelings-of-blue/2008/08/21/1219262356871.html|first=Andrew|last=Murfett|date=22 August 2008|publisher=Fairfax Media|title=Feelings of blue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080926201154/http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/feelings-of-blue/2008/08/21/1219262356871.html|archive-date=26 September 2008}}</ref> He also played saxophone and clarinet as a child.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.byronentertainmentcentre.com.au/pdf/Xavier%20Rudd%20White%20Moth%20Tour%20Announcement-3.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829004109/http://www.byronentertainmentcentre.com.au/pdf/Xavier%20Rudd%20White%20Moth%20Tour%20Announcement-3.pdf|archive-date=29 August 2007|title=Xavier Rudd brings the White Moth tour home|date=16 July 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/459757/xavier-rudd-enjoying-brotherly-love-in-us/|title=Xavier Rudd enjoying brotherly love in US|newspaper=Newcastle Herald|date=3 September 2010|first=Amy|last=Edwards|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830004659/http://www.theherald.com.au/story/459757/xavier-rudd-enjoying-brotherly-love-in-us/|archive-date=30 August 2015}}</ref>

As a child, Rudd sold recycled wood through his own furniture business.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/united-as-one-sound-xaviers-on-foot-to-happiness/2685446/|newspaper=The Gladstone Observer|date=25 June 2015|title=United as one sound Xavier Rudd's on foot to happiness|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923153105/http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/united-as-one-sound-xaviers-on-foot-to-happiness/2685446/|archive-date=23 September 2015}}</ref> Immediately after finishing school, Rudd travelled to [[Fiji]]. He lived in villages around the country for nine&nbsp;months, returning to Australia at age 19.<ref name=Lobley/>

==Career==
===1998–2002: early career to debut studio album===
Before launching his solo career, Rudd began playing music as part of the band 'Xavier and the Hum'. He drew inspiration from artists such as [[Leo Kottke]], [[Ben Harper]], [[Natalie Merchant]] and multi-instrumentalist [[David Lindley (musician)|David Lindley]], as well as music from diverse sources such as Hawaiian and Native American music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sortmusic.com/_x/xavier-rudd-biography,len.html |title=Xavier Rudd Biography |website=Sortmusic.com |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Rudd found doing what he loves|url=http://www.canada.com/theprovince/story.html?id=3f47ba78-ab4c-4ddd-a007-5215252a0dca|first=Tom|last=Harrison|work=[[The Province]]|date=1 June 2006|access-date=3 January 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103094801/http://www.canada.com/theprovince/story.html?id=3f47ba78-ab4c-4ddd-a007-5215252a0dca|archive-date=3 November 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> His music first took him overseas when he traveled to [[Whistler, British Columbia]]—Rudd was in a band and would play each night after a day of snowboarding.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.geckosadventures.com/tales/xavier-rudd-inspiration/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616104803/http://www.geckosadventures.com/tales/xavier-rudd-inspiration/|archive-date=16 June 2015|newspaper=Geckos Adventures|title=Xavier Rudd talks travel, inspiration and what makes a 'real' journey}}</ref>

Rudd was in Canada when the [[September 11 attacks]] happened.<ref name="Gottehrer">{{cite news |last=Gottehrer |first=Zoe |date=3 April 2006 |title=Incendiary interview Xavier Rudd |publisher=Incendiary Magazine |url=http://www.incendiarymag.com/interviews/xavierrudd/incendiary_interview_xavier_rudd |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830014709/http://www.incendiarymag.com/interviews/xavierrudd/incendiary_interview_xavier_rudd |archive-date=30 August 2015}}</ref> Rudd felt "spun out" watching the American media coverage, including graphic imagery of the destruction of the World Trade Center. Rudd wrote the song ''12 September'', which would feature on his first studio album ''To Let'', about the day after the attacks. In 2006, discussing the song, Rudd said: {{blockquote| That's what the song's about, the world waiting. All of a sudden there was an attack and there was these people who were equally as toxic that were going to retaliate. No one could really do anything about it. It's about the next day and that's why I called it the 12th of September.<ref name=Gottehrer/>}}

===2003–2005: ''Solace'' to ''Food in the Belly''===
[[File:Xavier Rudd.jpg|thumb|right|Xavier Rudd (2010)]]

In 2004, Rudd released ''Solace'', his first album to be distributed by a major label—[[Universal Music Australia]]. Rather than inviting guest artists to join him on the record, Rudd performed all the instrumentation for the album alone with only a few overdubs. Instruments included [[didgeridoos]], slide guitars, stomp boxes, djembe drums, slit drums, and the harmonica.<ref name=Lobley/> In his live show, Rudd came to be renowned for his 'one-man band' performances.<ref name=Ridley>{{citation|url=http://thedwarf.com.au/interview/xavier-rudd-band-in-one-man|date=19 October 2005|title=Xavier Rudd – Band in one man|first=Dan|last=Ridley|publisher=The Dwarf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202125730/http://thedwarf.com.au/interview/xavier-rudd-band-in-one-man|archive-date=2 February 2016}}</ref>

Rudd recorded ''Food in the Belly'' in mid-2004 whilst on break from an extensive North American tour. The recording was made in May&nbsp;2004 at [[Bowen Island]], part of the Greater Vancouver Regional District.<ref name=Ridley/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/cd--gig-reviews/xavier-rudd/2005/10/28/1130400340844.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|first=Andrew|last=Murphett|title=Xavier Rudd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130142823/http://www.smh.com.au/news/cd--gig-reviews/xavier-rudd/2005/10/28/1130400340844.html|archive-date=30 November 2015|date=19 December 2005}}</ref>

===2007: ''White Moth''===
The song ''White Moth'' was written about a moth that followed Rudd's son Joaquin for several hours on his mother's 30th birthday. Rudd thought it was the spirit of his then wife's grandmother.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://fasterlouder.junkee.com/white-moths-and-aboriginal-spirits-an-interview-with-xavier-rudd/788531|first=Nicole|last=Summers|date=16 November 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204075034/http://fasterlouder.junkee.com/white-moths-and-aboriginal-spirits-an-interview-with-xavier-rudd/788531|archive-date=4 February 2016|title=White Moths and Aboriginal spirits: An interview with Xavier Rudd|url-status=dead|publisher=Faster Louder}}</ref> Rudd and his family were holidaying to celebrate the occasion on an island off Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/rudd-sings-for-rights/2007/05/29/1180205207581.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1|newspaper=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|date=29 May 2007|title=Rudd sings for rights|archive-date=23 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223123028/http://www.theage.com.au/news/music/rudd-sings-for-rights/2007/05/29/1180205207581.html?page=fullpage|agency=AAP}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://3degree.ecu.edu.au/articles/1355|title=White Moth: Xavier Rudd's spiritual journey|first=Anish|last=Karki|date=2 November 2007|publisher=Edith Cowan University|work=3rd Degree|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305015008/http://3degree.ecu.edu.au/articles/1355|archive-date=5 March 2011}}</ref>

In 2007, Rudd partnered with [[Clif Bar]]'s GreenNotes program to create the "Better People Campaign".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://grist.org/article/the-wonder-down-under/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512064319/http://grist.org/article/the-wonder-down-under/|archive-date=12 May 2012|title=Aussie musician Xavier Rudd chats about coming to America and greening his tour|date=16 February 2008|publisher=Grist}}</ref> The campaign was about expressing gratitude to the people in the world taking steps to make positive change.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.clifgreennotes.com/betterpeople|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070602101730/http://www.clifgreennotes.com/betterpeople|publisher=Clif Bar & Co.|date=2007|title=Better People|archive-date=2 June 2007}}</ref>

===2008–2011: ''Dark Shades of Blue'' to collaboration with Izintaba===
"Black Water" the first track on Rudd's 2008 album ''Dark Shades of Blue'' was named after one of Lutken-Rudd's paintings.<ref name=Murfett/> The album saw Rudd introduce a heavier sound, using electric guitars in place of acoustic guitars and creating darker more somber tones.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.popmatters.com/review/xavier-rudd-dark-shades-of-blue/|first=Dan|last=Raper|title=Xavier Rudd: Dark Shades of Blue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202122304/http://www.popmatters.com/review/xavier-rudd-dark-shades-of-blue/|archive-date=2 February 2016|date=18 August 2008|website=Popmatters.com}}</ref> He recorded with [[Dave Tolley]], a percussionist drummer, who he had previously collaborated with for ''White Moth'' and ''Food in the Belly''.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/media/s2884954.htm|title=Xavier Rudd says it's time to smile with his new album Koonyum Sun|date=28 April 2010|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=3 February 2016}}</ref>

Reflecting on ''Dark Shades of Blue'', Rudd told media he felt the heavier sound was a "precursor for things that might come... I feel like my music is ahead of me all the time".<ref name="Wildsmith">{{cite news |last=Wildsmith |first=Steve |date=11 May 2011 |title=Singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd goes back to his roots on newest music |newspaper=The Daily Times |location=Maryville, Texas |url=http://www.thedailytimes.com/entertainment/singer-songwriter-xavier-rudd-goes-back-to-his-roots-on/article_d52c6e59-1375-5555-99bb-060702bd5ec5.html}}</ref> Rudd was referring to his and Lutken's divorce, which was finalised in 2009.

After the failure of his marriage, Rudd was supported in his grief and recovery by new South African bandmates, bassist Tio Moloantoa and percussionist Andile Nqubezelo. Rudd had met Moloantoa and Nqubezelo performing at the 2008 [[Wiesen, Austria|Wiesen]] Nuke Festival.<ref name=Cuthbertson>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/roots-of-a-psychic-revival/story-e6frg8n6-1225856584593|first=Ian|last=Cuthbertson|newspaper=The Australian|publisher=News Corp|date=22 April 2010|title=Roots of a psychic revival}}</ref> Rudd described his connection with Moloantoa and Nqubezelo as musical, spiritual and emotional—"I feel like they were sent to me", he said.<ref>{{cite press release|title=XAVIER RUDD TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM "KOONYUM SUN" IN APRIL: Ground Breaking Multi-instrumentalist Currently Touring in Europe|publisher=ANTI|date=2010|quote="It's been the most inspirational musical experience of my life", shares Rudd about his writing with Tio and Andile. "We have an undeniable connection – musically, spiritually, and emotionally. I feel like they were sent to me".}}</ref>

In 2010 Rudd bought 20&nbsp;hectares of property at Koonyum Range, [[Mullumbimby]], the location was the inspiration for the name of the album Rudd would release with Moloantoa and Nqubezelo, ''Koonyum Sun''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/news/domain/australian-capital-territory/old-dairy-now-cream-of-crop/2010/04/27/1272133728009.html|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media|title=Old dairy now cream of crop|date=27 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429025640/http://www.smh.com.au/news/domain/australian-capital-territory/old-dairy-now-cream-of-crop/2010/04/27/1272133728009.html|archive-date=29 April 2010}}</ref> The album moved away from the heavier sound of ''Dark Shades of Blue'' to a more up-beat style.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.surfgirlmag.com/2010/01/13/xavier-rudd-falmouth-show|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203073647/http://www.surfgirlmag.com/2010/01/13/xavier-rudd-falmouth-show/|archive-date=3 February 2016|title=Xavier Rudd Tour|date=13 January 2010|publisher=SurfGirl Magazine}}</ref>

===2012: ''Spirit Bird''===
In 2011, Rudd underwent emergency back surgery,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/170166/xavier-rudd.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830005522/http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/170166/xavier-rudd.htm|archive-date=30 August 2015|title=Xavier Rudd|date=16 June 2012|first=Al|last=Newstead|newspaper=Tone Deaf}}</ref> to repair three herniated disks, bone spurs and nerve damage.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/features/xavier-rudd-soothing-messages-of-urgency/|title=Xavier Rudd – Soothing Messages of Urgency |first=Marc|last=Zanotti|date=8 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119114101/http://musicfeeds.com.au/features/xavier-rudd-soothing-messages-of-urgency/|archive-date=19 November 2012}}</ref> Rudd wrote the track ''Comfortable in My Skin'', on his 2012 album ''Spirit Bird'', when he was suffering from major nerve pain before his surgery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2012/05/song-premiere-xavier-rudd-comfortable-in-my-skin/|title=Song Premiere: Xavier Rudd, "Comfortable In My Skin"|first=Evan|last=Schlansky|date=14 May 2012|newspaper=American Songwriter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141203213831/http://www.americansongwriter.com/2012/05/song-premiere-xavier-rudd-comfortable-in-my-skin/|archive-date=3 December 2014}}</ref> In its entirety, the album sampled 30 species of Australian birds.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/regional/south-west/a/14807909/xavier-rudds-stoked-for-home-tour/|title=Xavier Rudd's stoked for home tour |date=11 September 2012|newspaper=Busselton Dunsborough Times|archive-date=8 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908111840/https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/regional/south-west/a/14807909/xavier-rudds-stoked-for-home-tour/}}</ref>

The song ''Spirit Bird'' came about after an encounter Rudd had with a [[red-tailed black cockatoo]] in the [[Kimberley (Western Australia)|Kimberley]]. The encounter coincided with Rudd experiencing a powerful rush of imagery and emotion.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/xavier-rudd-answers-call-spirit-bird/1507221/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228043923/http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/xavier-rudd-answers-call-spirit-bird/1507221/|archive-date=28 December 2015|title=Xavier answers the call of Spirit Bird|first=Miranda|last=Cashin|date=16 August 2012|newspaper=Sunshine Coast Daily|publisher=APN Australian Regional Media}}</ref>

{{blockquote|A lot of that [album] grew out of me giving myself to that country up in the Kimberley and that country gave it back to me... I'd been on a bit of a journey and Spirit Bird represents that.<ref name=Drever/>}}

===2015: Rudd joins with the United Nations===
''Nanna'', the 2015 album Rudd released in collaboration with the [[United Nations]], champions cultural understanding and condemns racism and intolerance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ntnews.com.au/entertainment/xavier-rudd-and-the-united-nations-bringing-the-world-together-at-the-darwin-festival/story-fnk0b1gl-1227473286610|title=Xavier Rudd and the United Nations bringing the world together at the Darwin Festival|first=Katina|last=Vangopoulos|newspaper=NT News|date=6 August 2015|archive-date=10 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810161132/http://www.ntnews.com.au/entertainment/xavier-rudd-and-the-united-nations-bringing-the-world-together-at-the-darwin-festival/story-fnk0b1gl-1227473286610}}</ref> To record the album, Rudd and the United Nations worked with producer [[Errol Brown]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.outinperth.com/xavier-rudd-ready-blues-roots/|title=Xavier Rudd Ready for Blues and Roots|access-date=16 March 2015|first=Graeme|last=Watson|date=27 February 2015|publisher=OUTinPerth}}</ref> In an interview published in [[The Aspen Times]], Rudd shared that ''Nanna'' had given him a chance to focus on his vocal performance. He said that he had never really liked his voice before and vocals were often little more than an afterthought, but by 2016 was embracing it.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aspentimes.com/news/22631613-113/aspen-times-weekly-xavier-rudd-convening-his-un|first=Andrew|last=Travers|date=30 June 2016|newspaper=The Aspen Times|title=Aspen Times Weekly: Xavier Rudd convening his U.N. at Wanderlust}}</ref>

The song "Shame" on ''Nanna'' was inspired by conversations about racism surrounding AFL player [[Adam Goodes]], an Aboriginal football player who was repeatedly booed at matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/songs-address-adam-goodes-booing-saga/ar-BBlpf1U|title=Songs address Adam Goodes' booing saga|first=Danielle|last=McGrane|date=5 August 2015|publisher=MSN|access-date=6 September 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906044134/http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/songs-address-adam-goodes-booing-saga/ar-BBlpf1U|archive-date=6 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Xavier Rudd Unveils New Song 'Shame', Calls For End To All Racism|first=Sandi|last=Sieger|date=5 August 2015|publisher=Onya Magazine|url=http://www.onyamagazine.com/arts-culture/music/xavier-rudd-unveils-new-song-shame-calls-for-end-to-all-racism/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906043928/http://www.onyamagazine.com/arts-culture/music/xavier-rudd-unveils-new-song-shame-calls-for-end-to-all-racism/|archive-date=6 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2015/08/06/xavier-rudd-releases-anti-racism-song/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150818134004/http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2015/08/06/xavier-rudd-releases-anti-racism-song/|archive-date=18 August 2015|title=Xavier Rudd releases new anti-racism song|date=6 August 2015|publisher=The Music}}</ref> Rudd had previously declared his support for Goodes addressing the AFL Players' Association 2014 Season Launch.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/xavier-rudd-steals-the-show/|title=Xavier Rudd steals the show|date=24 March 2014|first=Sam|last=McInerney|publisher=AFL Players Association|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324192529/http://www.aflplayers.com.au/article/xavier-rudd-steals-the-show/|archive-date=24 March 2015}}</ref> At the time of writing the song "Creancient" for the album, Rudd was working with a Shaman in Peru. He participated in several ceremonies, including one that involved vomiting and experiencing hallucinations and another involving mud bathing. Rudd described the song as something that flowed out of him over a week while he felt like he was outside of himself, looking at his ego from a distance.<ref name=Seroukas/>

In late 2015, Rudd was forced to cut his North American tour for ''Nanna'' short to have disc replacement and fusion surgery in his lower back, having experienced chronic pain over several months.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/fans-cluck-and-chuck-rudd-for-kfc-ad/2864962/|newspaper=The Northern Star|title=Fans cluck and chuck Rudd for KFC ad|date=7 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213094215/http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/fans-cluck-and-chuck-rudd-for-kfc-ad/2864962/|archive-date=13 December 2015}}</ref>

In November 2015, Rudd's song "Let Me Be" featured in an Australian TV commercial promoting [[KFC]], a large fast food restaurant chain specialising in factory farmed<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.au/news/over-half-million-people-demand-kfc-does-better-chickens|title=Over half a million people demand KFC does better for chickens &#124; World Animal Protection|website=Worldanimalprotection.org.au|date=18 October 2018 |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> fried chicken.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mumbrella.com.au/kfc-brings-back-accidentally-authentic-the-home-cricket-ground-cricket-campaign-333108|title=KFC brings back 'accidentally authentic' Home Cricket Ground cricket campaign|publisher=mUmBRELLA|date=30 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.businessinsider.com.au/australias-sexiest-vegetarian-xavier-rudd-has-given-his-voice-to-a-kfc-ad-2015-12|title='Australia's Sexiest Vegetarian', Xavier Rudd, has given his voice to a KFC ad|first=Peter|last=Farquhar|date=8 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212043620/http://www.businessinsider.com.au/australias-sexiest-vegetarian-xavier-rudd-has-given-his-voice-to-a-kfc-ad-2015-12|archive-date=12 December 2015|newspaper=Business Insider Australia}}</ref> Many fans used social media to complain about the inclusion of the song on the commercial.<ref>{{cite news|first=Kate|last=Aubusson|date=7 December 2015|title=Xavier Rudd fans angry as his song appears in KFC ad|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|url=https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/xavier-rudd-fans-angry-as-his-song-appears-in-kfc-ad-20151207-glhhaj.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212010101/http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/celebrity/xavier%2Drudd%2Dfans%2Dangry%2Das%2Dhis%2Dsong%2Dappears%2Din%2Dkfc%2Dad%2D20151207%2Dglhhaj.html|archive-date=12 December 2015|url-status=dead|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2015/12/08/peta-urge-xavier-rudd-to-reconsider-supporting-kfc/|access-date=8 December 2015|date=8 December 2015|title=PETA Urge Xavier Rudd To Reconsider 'Supporting' KFC|first=Neil|last=Griffiths|publisher=The Music}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/466542/xavier-rudd-slammed-by-fans-over-controversial-kfc-ad.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208082502/http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/466542/xavier-rudd-slammed-by-fans-over-controversial-kfc-ad.htm|archive-date=8 December 2015|date=7 December 2015|publisher=Tone Deaf|title=Xavier Rudd Slammed By Fans Over Controversial KFC Ad}}</ref> PETA responded that they hoped that Rudd had not approved the use of his music for the advertising.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/466744/peta-respond-to-xavier-rudds-controversial-kfc-ad.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208083001/http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/466744/peta-respond-to-xavier-rudds-controversial-kfc-ad.htm|archive-date=8 December 2015|title=PETA Respond To Xavier Rudd's Controversial KFC Ad|date=8 December 2015|first=Greg|last=Moskovitch|publisher=Tone Deaf}}</ref>

===2021: new deal and ''Jan Juc Moon''===
In April 2021, it was announced Rudd had signed with newly rebranded Virgin Music Australia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://themusicnetwork.com/xavier-rudd-new-deals/|title= Xavier Rudd hits reset with new label, management & agency| website= The Music Network| date= 8 April 2021|access-date=11 April 2021}}</ref> On 17 June 2021, Rudd released "Stoney Creek", the lead single from his forthcoming tenth studio album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/XavierRuddOfficial/videos/328092932059128/?__xts__[0]=68.ARCP0krbqah2Ye_rMzbzgBI13K1q_C2Q8-ezgrGarARsO-xlXt_TvK5l_REkV7PSnlYG42EAJSeAsdDZ7TxofjJ5m4Mi_NuplBsAk_HWlQPwW_FwV6lKo71YAAJU7TUnfdmgJcnar1tFgtfEa6CKrpSRMPOiH4wGjpB_2uzJ8PNhLvt5x4NfG6fj_csAhq881V0NRlhqKKseY9ZnT8wNHGVDR--cIXNY8VxX2YPZ-us_tk-oaDJsWIgpOceEqIdzp7_devLqhPSPEYg5jDyQv_k3dHX9k-Io3cwk-ZJfrQZMzoS0PvW7GHrfiP2aZPk&__tn__=-R|title=This is my first release in over 3 years, and the first single off my upcoming 10th studio album...|website=Facebook|date=9 June 2021|access-date=18 June 2021}}</ref>

In January 2022, Rudd released "Ball and Chain", the third single from his tenth studio album, ''Jan Juc Moon''.<ref name="JJM">{{cite web|url=https://scenestr.com.au/music/xavier-rudd-drops-third-single-from-his-new-album-jan-juc-moon-a-collab-with-j-milla-20220120|title=Xavier Rudd Drops Third Single From His New Album 'Jan Juc Moon' – A Collab With J-MILLA|website=Scenestr|date=21 January 2022|access-date=21 January 2022}}</ref>

Rudd won the 2022 [[Environmental Music Prize]] for the 2021 single "Stoney Creek".

In July 2023, Rudd released the single "Road Trippin'".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/xavier-rudd-road-trippin-single/|title= Xavier Rudd's New Single Is a New Australian Anthem|website=Tone Deaf|date= 27 July 2023|access-date=31 July 2023}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Rudd often likes to spend time in the Australian bush in his 4WD Toyota Landcruiser, championing the traditional [[Aboriginal Australian]] way of life.<ref name=Drever>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/rudd-flies-under-australias-radar-20130926-2ugci.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828093952/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/rudd-flies-under-australias-radar-20130926-2ugci.html|archive-date=28 August 2015|title=Rudd flies under Australia's radar|date=27 September 2013|first=Andrew|last=Drever|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/rudd-relation-hell-no/332538/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010062921/http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/rudd-relation-hell-no/332538|archive-date=10 October 2014|publisher=APN Australian Regional Media|title=Rudd relation? Hell no!|newspaper=Sunshine Coast Daily|date=4 December 2007}}</ref> His songs include stories of the mistreatment of the Indigenous people of his homeland.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> Rudd has taken part in several [[Aboriginal ceremonies]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://martyrmagazine.ca/2010/05/xavier-rudd-time-to-smile/|title=Xavier Rudd: The Highs and Lows of Life in Music|newspaper=Martyr Magazine|date=21 May 2010}}{{Dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2003, he says he was adopted into the [[Dhuwa]] mob (one of two [[Moiety (kinship)|moieties]] of the [[Yolngu people]]) in northeast [[Arnhem Land]].<ref name=Murfett/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://themusic.com.au/interviews/all/2013/08/28/xavier-rudd-tyler-mcloughlan/19057/|access-date=23 December 2015|title=It's A Spirit Thing|first=Tyler|last=McLoughlan|date=28 August 2013|publisher=Street Press Australia|newspaper=The Music}}</ref> He has also spent time with people from several North American indigenous groups—the [[Cree]], [[Mohawk people|Mohawk]] and [[Iroquois]].<ref name=Dunstan>{{cite news|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/19023282/rudd-balances-highs-and-lows/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223114225/https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/19023282/rudd-balances-highs-and-lows/|newspaper=The West Australian|date=20 September 2013|first=Sarah|last=Dunstan|title=Rudd balances highs and lows|archive-date=23 December 2015}}</ref>

Rudd is a keen [[surfer]], having started when he was five or six years old,<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.surfermag.com/features/pws-xavier-rudd/#Ocm2LffbDMXGzdDo.97|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220230743/http://www.surfermag.com/features/pws-xavier-rudd/#Ocm2LffbDMXGzdDo.97|title=People who surf the multifaceted minstrel: Xavier Rudd|date=22 July 2010|archive-date=20 December 2014}}</ref> and says at times surfing inspires his music.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/xavier-rudd-says-whistler-inspired-new-didge-song/Content?oid=2143019|first=Nancy|last=Hyndman|date=20 September 2002|title=Xavier Rudd says Whistler inspired new didge song|publisher=Pique|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908112557/http://www.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/xavier-rudd-says-whistler-inspired-new-didge-song/Content?oid=2143019|archive-date=8 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.coastalbc.com/surf/st310.htm|first=Susan|last=Burron|newspaper=Coastal BC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330014201/http://www.coastalbc.com/surf/st310.htm|archive-date=30 March 2015|title=Xavier Rudd at home away from home}}</ref> He also enjoys [[snowboarding]], one of the few activities he wears shoes for.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/06/1083635269707.html?from=storyrhs|title=Sole man|date=7 May 2004|first=Michael|last=Dwyer|archive-date=29 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130829080106/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/06/1083635269707.html?from=storyrhs}}</ref>

Rudd grew up in a Catholic family. When asked about his religious beliefs, Rudd has said "I'm not religious in the sense that I don't believe in a God and I don't follow the tenets of organised churches, but I believe in nature and everything that surrounds me: I love Earth, the sun, the sea and animals. Music is my only church."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maselli |first1=Mimmi |title=Xavier Rudd. Music is my church and aboriginal culture is my religion |url=https://www.lifegate.com/xavier-rudd-storm-boy-album-interview |website=Lifegate |date=28 March 2018 |access-date=7 November 2020}}</ref>

===Family===
Rudd was formerly married to Marci Lutken, an artist from Canada. They met when she was backpacking in [[Fitzroy, Victoria]], in 1999.<ref name="Murfett" /> After getting pregnant, the two married, and eventually they had two sons.<ref name="Gottehrer" /> Rudd obtained Canadian dual citizenship.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 September 2010 |title=Guests & Specials: Xavier Rudd |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Commission |url=http://www.abc.net.au/rage/archive/s2997654.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918140522/http://www.abc.net.au/rage/archive/s2997654.htm |archive-date=18 September 2012}}</ref> The marriage ended in 2009.<ref name="Wildsmith" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Bridges |first=Alicia |date=16 April 2010 |title=Rudd bounces back in style |newspaper=The West Australian |url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/7069731/rudd-bounces-back-in-style/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830015016/https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/7069731/rudd-bounces-back-in-style/ |archive-date=30 August 2015}}</ref>

Rudd is married<ref>{{Cite web |title=3 years ago today I was lucky... - Xavier Rudd - Official |url=https://www.facebook.com/XavierRuddOfficial/photos/a.387061520670/10156625010665671/?type=3 |access-date=27 January 2023 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref> to Ashley Freeman-Rudd, an Australian former model, and dancer<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=KFC: Model, Dancer and Teacher / Choreographer - New South Wales, Australia |url=https://www.starnow.com.au/ashleyfreeman3/#dancing |accessdate=27 September 2021 |publisher=StarNow}}</ref> and holistic wellness trainer. They were married in a [[Byron Bay]] wedding ceremony<ref>[https://vimeo.com/203045015 Xavier & Ashley] ''Vimeo''. Retrieved 15 April 2017.</ref> and now live in the [[Shire of Noosa]] with their two children.<ref>{{cite web |date=23 June 2018 |title=Solo in song, duo in life |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/uonsunday/solo-in-song-duo-in-life/news-story/f3b754c7446a8c0fc300059ad10eb28a |accessdate=27 September 2021 |publisher=www.couriermail.com.au}}</ref>

===Vegetarianism===
[[File:Cows on ranch.jpg|thumb|right|View of [[Harris Ranch]]—the beef farm that inspired Rudd to change his diet and become a vegetarian]]
 Rudd became a vegetarian after passing [[Harris Ranch]],<ref name="peta">{{cite web|url=http://www.petaasiapacific.com/feature_xavier_rudd_vegetarian.asp|archive-date=13 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513132044/http://www.petaasiapacific.com/feature_xavier_rudd_vegetarian.asp|title=Rocker Xavier Rudd Gets Real|publisher=PETA Asia-Pacific}}</ref> California's largest [[Intensive animal farming|factory farm]], during a United States tour.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/news/meet-our-sexiest-vegetarians/story-fna7dq6e-1111116668206|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906034249/http://www.news.com.au/news/meet-our-sexiest-vegetarians/story-fna7dq6e-1111116668206|title=Abbie Cornish and Xavier Rudd our sexiest vegetarians|date=18 June 2008|newspaper=News.com.au|archive-date=6 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=Gottehrer/> Rudd described in an interview with [[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA]] how the experience made him change his diet, saying: {{blockquote| [The animals] stood crammed together on this piece of land. They could hardly move as the area was too small for all those animals. Plus, they'd already eaten or trampled down the grass and all the feces were just left there. They were standing in their own waste and—what I found worse—even had to eat it because the workers didn't offer them anything else. I asked the driver about it and he said, "Well, that's California's biggest beef producer." I could still smell it after we had driven for another 30 kilometers. That was when I knew it was the right choice to go vegetarian.}}

Rudd was nominated for PETA's annual "World's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity" award in 2007.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.goveg.com/feat/sexiestveg2007/|title=World's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrities|publisher=[[People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals|PETA]]|access-date=29 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070629030735/http://www.goveg.com/feat/sexiestveg2007/|archive-date=29 June 2007}}</ref> In 2008, PETA named him sexiest Australian male vegetarian.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/sexy-veggies-named/story-e6frf7jo-1111116668501|title=Abbie Cornish, Xavier Rudd voted hottest vegetarians|date=18 June 2008|first=Jane|last=Metlikovec|newspaper=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp}}</ref>

===Activism and causes===
In February 2009, Rudd performed at a public rally in opposition to residential development in Torquay.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/surf-coast-proposal-provokes-wave-of-protest-20090220-8dre.html|title=Surf Coast proposal provokes wave of protest|date=21 February 2009|first=Jason|last=Dowling|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911120922/http://www.smh.com.au/national/surf-coast-proposal-provokes-wave-of-protest-20090220-8dre.html|publisher=Fairfax Media|archive-date=11 September 2015}}</ref>

Rudd received the 'Rock the Boat Award' in 2009 for his support of the [[Sea Shepherd Conservation Society]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.greenlifestylemag.com.au/features/3121/saviour-xavier|archive-date=30 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830021342/http://www.greenlifestylemag.com.au/features/3121/saviour-Xavier|title=Saviour Rudd|last=Chellingworth|first=Suzanne|publisher=Nextmedia|date=3 July 2012}}</ref> Rudd is friends with Canadian environmentalist [[Paul Watson]], who founded Sea Shepherd.<ref name=Roar/> In January 2010, Rudd was one of the last passengers aboard Sea Shepherd ship ''[[Ady Gil collision|Ady Gil]]'', days before it sank after a collision with the ''[[MV Shōnan Maru 2]]'' Japanese whaling security vessel.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://state.ie/features/xavier-rudd-interview|title=Xavier Rudd interview |first=James|last=Hendicott|date=18 January 2010|publisher=State Magazine|archive-date=8 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908115054/http://state.ie/features/xavier-rudd-interview}}</ref>

In 2012, Rudd was outspoken against [[Colin Barnett]]'s plan to open up the [[Kimberley (Western Australia)|Kimberley]] to mining operations.<ref name=Roar>{{cite news|publisher=Circles on the Water|url=http://www.circlesonthewater.org/conversations-with/i-feel-like-im-ready-to-roar-an-interview-with-xavier-rudd/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830011907/http://www.circlesonthewater.org/conversations-with/i-feel-like-im-ready-to-roar-an-interview-with-xavier-rudd/|archive-date=30 August 2015|date=2012|title=I feel like I'm ready to roar, an interview with Xavier Rudd}}</ref> He joined the Save the Kimberley movement to save [[James Price Point]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Michael|last=Inman|date=9 August 2012|title=Xavier Rudd: The spirit of the land|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/xavier-rudd-the-spirit-of-the-land-20120808-23u79.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830012255/http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/xavier-rudd-the-spirit-of-the-land-20120808-23u79.html|archive-date=30 August 2015|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|publisher=Fairfax Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.whitsundaytimes.com.au/news/reef-on-rudds-mind/2738341/|newspaper=The Whitsunday Times|title=Reef on Rudd's mind|date=15 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906035059/http://www.whitsundaytimes.com.au/news/reef-on-rudds-mind/2738341/|archive-date=6 September 2015}}</ref>

Working with volunteer organisations Surf for Life and Waves of Hope, Rudd worked alongside other volunteers to build a high school in northern [[Nicaragua]] in late 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Surf chick Holly has been busy!|url=http://palmeralocal.com/blog/2013/10/surf-chick-holly-has-been-busy/|date=1 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117023525/http://palmeralocal.com/blog/2013/10/surf-chick-holly-has-been-busy/|archive-date=17 November 2013|publisher=Palmera Local}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=3 October 2013|url=http://www.notey.com/@theinertia_unofficial/external/2272738/nicaragua-high-school-construction-with-surf-for-life-and-waves-of-hope.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709004834/http://www.notey.com/%40theinertia_unofficial/external/2272738/nicaragua-high-school-construction-with-surf-for-life-and-waves-of-hope.html|archive-date=9 July 2016|url-status=dead|first=Holly Beck|last=Obermeyer|title=Nicaragua High School Construction With Surf For Life and Waves of Hope|publisher=The Inertia}}</ref>

In 2014, Rudd performed at the Bentley (unrelated to the car company of the [[Bentley|same name]]) anti-gas blockade campsite,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/xavier-rudd-latest-support-act-for-bentley-protest/2242582/|title=Xavier Rudd latest support act for Bentley protesters|newspaper=The Northern Star|date=29 April 2014}}</ref> in support of the [[Lock the Gate Alliance]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/dont-frack-with-xavier-rudd/2244984/|newspaper=The Northern Star|date=1 May 2015|title=Don't Frack with Xavier Rudd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518073253/http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/dont-frack-with-xavier-rudd/2244984/|archive-date=18 May 2014}}</ref> He had previously travelled to the Doubtful Creek coal-seam gas test drilling site in February 2013 to voice his concerns about the gas drilling, saying: "Our government is hopeless, ruthless and toxic in terms of protecting our land."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.echo.net.au/downloads/byron-echo/volume-27/byronecho2736.pdf|title=Huge turnout for CSG-free picnic concert|date=19 February 2013|newspaper=The Byron Shire Echo|first=Melissa|last=Hargraves|page=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910125927/http://www.echo.net.au/downloads/byron-echo/volume-27/byronecho2736.pdf|archive-date=10 September 2015}}</ref> The protestor's actions at the Bentley Blockade, where they blocked the delivery of oil- and gas-drilling equipment for weeks, led the New South Wales Government to suspend Metgasco's drilling licence.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aspentimes.com/news/11785352-113/rudd-instruments-festival-mammoth|date=12 June 2014|title=Xavier Rudd (and Friends) to play Mammoth Festival|first=Andrew|last=Travers|newspaper=The Aspen Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Metgasco's drilling permit suspended, referred to ICAC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516072222/http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/metgasco-s-csg-drilling-permit-suspended-referred|archive-date=16 May 2014|newspaper=Australian Mining|date=15 May 2014|first=Vicky|last=Validakis|url=http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/News/Metgasco-s-CSG-drilling-permit-suspended-referred}}</ref>

In 2015, Rudd was criticised for selling the rights to his song "Let me Be" to the multi-national company KFC, well known for their factory-farmed chicken, in a television advertisement. The advertising campaign was widely criticised by fans, and the absence of a response or explanation by Rudd served to undermine his integrity relative to his activism.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/celebrity/xavier-rudd-fans-angry-as-his-song-appears-in-kfc-ad-20151207-glhhaj.html|title=Xavier Rudd fans angry as his song appears in KFC ad|first=Kate|last=Aubusson|date=7 December 2015|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref>

==Live performances==
Rudd has become a known name at music festivals worldwide including the [[Bonnaroo Music Festival]], the [[High Sierra Music Festival]] (2004 and 2007) and the [[Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival]] (2005), moe.down (2003), Summer Sonic, Lowlands, Rock Werchter, and others. He has toured with artists including [[Jack Johnson (musician)|Jack Johnson]], [[Dave Matthews]], [[Ben Harper]], [[Good Old War]], [[G. Love & Special Sauce]], and [[Rodrigo y Gabriela]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/277886/xavier+rudd/biography |title=Xavier Rudd – Biography |website=Billboard.com |access-date=4 May 2015}}</ref>

==Discography==
===Studio albums===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of albums, with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:14em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:17em;"| Details
! scope="col" colspan="4"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:13em;"| [[List of music recording certifications|Certifications]]
|-
! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref name="AUS Charts">{{cite web | url = http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Xavier+Rudd | title = Discography Xavier Rudd | work = Australian Charts Portal | publisher = Hung Medien | access-date = 24 February 2017 }}</ref>
! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| [[Ultratop|BEL]]<br /><ref name="BEL Charts">{{cite web | url = http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Xavier+Rudd | title = Discografie Xavier Rudd | work = Ultratop | publisher = Hung Medien | access-date = 24 February 2017 }}</ref>
! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| [[Dutch Album Top 100|NLD]]<br /><ref name="NLD Charts">{{cite web | url = http://dutchcharts.nl/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Xavier+Rudd | title = Discografie Xavier Rudd | work = Dutch Charts | publisher = Hung Medien | access-date = 24 February 2017 }}</ref>
! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| [[Swiss Hitparade|SWI]]<br /><ref name="SWI Charts">{{cite web | url = http://hitparade.ch/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Xavier+Rudd | title = Discographie Xavier Rudd | work = Swiss Hitparade | publisher = Hung Medien | access-date = 24 February 2017 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[To Let]]''
|
* Released: 2002
* Label: Salt. X, [[Universal Music Australia]]
* Formats: CD
| — || — || — || — 
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Solace (Xavier Rudd album)|Solace]]''
|
* Released: 28 March 2004
* Label: Salt. X, Universal Music Australia
* Formats: CD
| 13 || — || — || — 
|
* [[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]: Platinum<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-accreditations-albums-2005.htm|title=ARIA Chart accreditations 2005|website=Aria.com.au |date=January 2006 |access-date=28 April 2018}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Food in the Belly]]''
|
* Released: 28 October 2005
* Label: Salt. X, Universal Music Australia
* Formats: CD, DD
| 16 || 97 || 56 || — 
|
* ARIA: Gold<ref name="auto"/>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[White Moth]]''
|
* Released: 2 June 2007
* Label: Salt. X, Universal Music Australia
* Formats: CD, DD
| 6 || — || — || — 
|
* AUS: Gold<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2007Albums.htm |title=ARIA: 2007 Albums |website=Aria.com.au |date=January 2008 |access-date=4 April 2015}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Dark Shades of Blue]]''
|
* Released: 16 August 2008
* Label: Salt. X, Universal Music Australia
* Formats: CD, DD
| 5 || 94 || — || — 
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Koonyum Sun]]'' <small>(with Izintaba)</small>
|
* Released: 19 April 2010
* Label: Salt. X, Universal Music Australia
* Formats: CD, DD
| 6 || — || — || — 
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Spirit Bird]]''
|
* Released: 8 June 2012
* Label: Salt. X, Universal Music Australia
* Formats: CD, DD
| 2 || 119 || 38 || 85 
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Nanna (album)|Nanna]]'' <small>(with The United Nations)</small>
|
* Released: 17 March 2015
* Label: Salt. X
* Formats: CD, DD
| 8 || 108 || — || 74 
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''Storm Boy''
|
* Released: 25 May 2018
* Label: Salt. X
* Formats: CD, DD, vinyl
| 6 || 35 || 92 || 31 
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''Jan Juc Moon''
|
* Released: 25 March 2022<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.totalntertainment.com/music/xavier-rudd-announces-new-single-and-album/ |title=Xavier Rudd Announces New Single and Album |work=TotalNtertainment |date=20 January 2022 |access-date=13 February 2022}}</ref>
* Label: [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
* Formats: CD, DD, vinyl
| 6<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/albums-chart/2022-04-04|title=ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|date=4 April 2022|access-date=1 April 2022}}</ref> || 46 || — || 49
|
|}

===Live albums===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of albums, with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:14em;"| Title
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:17em;"| Details
! scope="col"| Peak chart positions
! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:13em;"| [[List of music recording certifications|Certifications]]
|-
! style="width:3em;font-size:85%"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]]<br /><ref>{{cite web | url = http://australian-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Xavier+Rudd | title = Discography Xavier Rudd | work = Australian Charts Portal | publisher = Hung Medien | access-date = 30 April 2017 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''Live in Canada''
|
* Released: 2001
* Label: Xavier Rudd
* Formats: CD
| — 
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Live at the Grid]]''
|
* Released: December 2002
* Label: Salt. X Records Ltd.
* Formats: CD
| — 
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''[[Good Spirit]]''
|
* Released: April 2005
* Label: Salt. X Records Ltd.
* Formats: CD
| 29 
|
* ARIA: Gold (DVD)<ref name=ARIACert>{{cite certification|region=Australia|artist=Xavier Rudd|type=video|certyear=2007|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row"| ''Live Bonnaroo 11 June 2005''
|
* Released: 2005
* Label: Salt. X Records Ltd.
* Formats: DD
| —
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''Live Bonnaroo 16 June 2007''
|
* Released: 2007
* Label: Salt. X Records Ltd.
* Formats: DD
| —
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''Live in Brussels''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/live-in-brussels/327306824|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429224419/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/live-in-brussels/327306824|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 April 2018|title=Live in Brussels|publisher=iTunes Australia|access-date=28 April 2018}}</ref>
|
* Released: 2009
* Label: Salt. X Records Ltd.
* Formats: DD
| —
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''Live at the Melbourne Zoo'' <small>(with [[Bobby Alu]]) </small><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Xavier-Rudd-Bobby-Alu-Live-At-The-Melbourne-Zoo/release/9658739|title= Live at the Melbourne Zoo by Xavier Russ and Bobby Alu|website=Discogs.com|date= 15 February 2014|access-date=28 April 2018}}</ref>
|
* Released: 15 February 2014
* Label: Salt. X Records Ltd.
* Formats: CD
| —
|
|-
! scope="row"| ''Live in the Netherlands''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/live-in-the-netherlands/1198580749|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430052338/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/live-in-the-netherlands/1198580749|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 April 2018|title=Live in the Netherlands|publisher=iTunes Australia|access-date=28 April 2018}}</ref>
|
* Released: 24 February 2017
* Label: Salt. X Records Ltd.
* Formats: DD, CD
| 24
|
|}

===EPs===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1"
|+ List of EPs, with selected details
! Title
! Details
|-
! scope="row" | ''Freedom Sessions''
|
* Scheduled: 29 March 2024<ref>{{cite web|url=https://broken8records.com/blogs/music-news/xavier-rudd-announces-forthcoming-ep-and-unveils-new-two-part-single-world-order|title= Xavier Rudd announces forthcoming EP and unveils new two-part single 'World Order'|website=Broken 8 Records|date= 20 February 2024|access-date=27 February 2024}}</ref>
* Label: Salt.X Records
|}

==Awards and nominations==
===AIR Awards===
The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as [[AIR Awards]]) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's independent music sector.
{{awards table}}
|-
| [[AIR Awards of 2012|2012]]<ref name="12nom">{{cite web|url=https://www.air.org.au/news/story/nominations-2012-jagermeister-independent-music-awards|title=NOMINATIONS: 2012 Jagermeister Independent Music Awards|website=Australian Independent Record Labels Association|date=17 September 2012|access-date=20 August 2020|archive-date=17 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417032418/https://www.air.org.au/news/story/nominations-2012-jagermeister-independent-music-awards|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|''Spirit Bird'' 
| Best Independent Blues and Roots Album
| {{nom}}
|-
{{end}}

===APRA Awards===
The [[APRA Awards (Australia)|APRA Awards]] are held in Australia and New Zealand by the [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] to recognise songwriting skills, sales and airplay performance by its members annually.
{{awards table}}
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2013|2013]] 
| "Follow the Sun"
| Song of the Year
| {{shortlisted}}
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/apra-song-year-shortlist-revealed/|title=APRA Song Of The Year 2013 Shortlist Revealed|website=Tone Deaf|date=11 April 2013|access-date=28 April 2022}}</ref>
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2019|2019]] 
| "Walk Away"
| Song of the Year
| {{shortlisted}}
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/apra-reveals-2019-song-of-the-year-shortlist/|title=APRA Reveals 2019 Song of the Year Shortlist|website=[[Music Feeds]]|date=5 February 2019|access-date=26 April 2022}}</ref>
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2022|2022]]
| "Stoney Creek"
| Most Performed Blues and Roots Work
| {{nom}}
| <ref name="APRA2022Noms">{{cite web|url=https://theindustryobserver.thebrag.com/nominees-revealed-for-2022-apra-music-awards/|title=Nominees Revealed for 2022 APRA Music Awards|website=The Industry Observer|date=7 April 2022|access-date=9 April 2022}}</ref>
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2023|2023]]
| "We Deserve to Dream"
| Most Performed Blues and Roots Work
| {{won}} 
| <ref name="APRAnoms2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.apraamcos.com.au/about-us/news-and-events/nominees-revealed-for-the-2023-apra-music-awards|title=Nominees revealed for the 2023 APRA Music Awards|website=[[APRA Awards (Australia)|APRA Awards]]|date=30 March 2023|access-date=31 March 2023}}</ref><br><ref name="APRA 2023 Wins">{{cite web |url=https://www.apraamcos.com.au/about/supporting-the-industry/awards/apra-music-awards-2023 |title=APRA AMCOS: 2023 APRA Music Awards |publisher=[[APRA AMCOS]] (Australasian Performing Right Association and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society) |date=27 April 2023 |access-date=29 April 2023 }}</ref>
|-
| [[APRA Music Awards of 2025|2025]]
| "High Times"
| Most Performed Blues & Roots Work
| {{nominated}}
| <ref name="APRA25 noms">{{cite web|url=https://www.noise11.com/news/2025-apra-music-awards-nominees-include-kevin-parker-king-stingray-missy-higgins-tones-and-i-and-troye-sivan-20250402|title=2025 APRA Music Awards Nominees Include Kevin Parker, King Stingray, Missy Higgins, Tones And I, and Troye Sivan |website=noise11|date=2 April 2025|access-date=3 April 2025}}</ref>
|-
{{end}}

===ARIA Music Awards===
The [[ARIA Music Awards]] is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of [[Australian music]]. Rudd has been nominated for five awards.
{{Awards table}}
|-
| scope="row" rowspan="2"| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2004|2004]]
| rowspan="2"| ''Solace''
| [[ARIA Award for Breakthrough Artist – Album|Breakthrough Artist – Album]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[ARIA Award for Best Blues and Roots Album|Best Blues and Roots Album]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2006|2006]]
| ''Food in the Belly''
| Best Blues and Roots Album
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2007|2007]]
| ''White Moth''
| Best Blues and Roots Album
| {{nom}}
|-
| [[ARIA Music Awards of 2010|2010]]
| ''Koonyum Sun''
| [[ARIA Award for Best World Music Album|Best World Music Album]]
| {{nom}}
|-
{{end}}

===Environmental Music Prize===
The [[Environmental Music Prize]] is a quest to find a theme song to inspire action on climate and conservation. It commenced in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://themusicnetwork.com/environmental-music-prize-search/|title=Environmental Music Prize Searches for Green Theme Song|website=The Music Network|date=May 2022|access-date=22 June 2022}}</ref>
{{awards table}}
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| 2023
| "Stoney Creek"
| Environmental Music Prize
| {{won}}
| <ref name="EMP 2023 noms">{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/flume-tash-sultana-and-moju-among-finalists-for-the-2023-environmental-music-prize/|title= Environmental Music Prize 2023 Finalists|website=[[Music Feeds]]|date=26 April 2023|access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/xavier-rudd-environmental-music-prize/ |title= Xavier Rudd Wins 2023's Environmental Music Prize|website=[[Music Feeds]]|date=13 June 2023|access-date=13 June 2023}}</ref>
|-
{{end}}

===National Indigenous Music Awards===
The [[National Indigenous Music Awards]] is an annual awards ceremony that recognises the achievements of Indigenous Australians in music. The award ceremony commenced in 2004. Electric Fields have won one award from four nominations.

{{awards table}}
! {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| rowspan="1"| [[National Indigenous Music Awards 2022|2022]]
| "Ball and Chain" (featuring [[J-Milla]])
| Song of the Year
| {{nom}}
| <ref name="NIMA noms 2022">{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/nominees-and-performers-announced-for-national-indigenous-music-awards-2022/|title=Nominees and Performers Announced For National Indigenous Music Awards 2022|website=[[Music Feeds]]|date=13 July 2022|access-date=14 July 2022}}</ref><ref name="NIMAwins2022">{{cite web|url=https://themusicnetwork.com/baker-boy-2022-nimas-winners/|title=2022 NIMAs: Baker Boy Wins Two Awards, Archie Roach and Gurrumul Honoured |website=The Music Network|date=6 August 2022|access-date=7 August 2022}}</ref>
|-
{{end}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|xavierrudd.com}}
* {{musicbrainz artist|id=6689a626-4de7-41d5-9ec3-5a289472a9e2|name=Xavier Rudd}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101124033833/http://guitarinternational.com/wpmu/2010/04/17/rudd/ ''Guitar International'': Interview with Xavier Rudd]

{{Xavier Rudd}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rudd, Xavier}}
[[Category:1978 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian male singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian guitarists]]
[[Category:Anti- (record label) artists]]
[[Category:APRA Award winners]]
[[Category:Australian atheists]]
[[Category:Australian blues guitarists]]
[[Category:Australian folk singers]]
[[Category:Australian harmonica players]]
[[Category:Australian male guitarists]]
[[Category:Australian male singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Australian people of Dutch descent]]
[[Category:Australian people of Irish descent]]
[[Category:Didgeridoo players]]
[[Category:Fontana Records artists]]
[[Category:Musicians from Victoria (state)]]
[[Category:Slide guitarists]]
[[Category:Weissenborn players]]
[[Category:21st-century Australian singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Australian political music artists]]